A banana duct-taped to a wall by artist Maurizio Cattelan sold for $6.2 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York. The conceptual artwork titled "Comedian," originally debuted in 2019, sparked debates about art's value and continues to challenge the art world's standards.
A banana duct-taped to a wall sold for $6.2 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York on Wednesday. The artwork, titled "Comedian" by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, originally debuted in 2019 at Art Basel Miami Beach, sparking debates over its value and concept. The piece, which consists of a single banana affixed to a wall with duct tape, raised questions about art’s true value. In a twist, the banana was eaten by another artist during the exhibit, further fueling controversy.
Despite initial skepticism, "Comedian" drew attention, with earlier editions selling for around $150,000. At the auction, bidding soared quickly, eventually reaching $5.2 million, with auction house fees pushing the final price to $6.2 million. Sotheby’s called Cattelan a “brilliant provocateur” for challenging art’s conventions. This sale follows the record-breaking $121.2 million auction of René Magritte’s "The Empire of Light."
